The photo above is of some DBN members receiving the State of Delaware's Fish & Wildlife Volunteer Award of the year, for the work we do annually helping with stocking programs, fish surveys and collecting broodstock. We were very honored to receive this recognition and are working at developing future initiatives to better preserve our fisheries.
Delaware State Record Largemouth Bass
New State Record Largemouth bass
The new Delaware State record Largemouth Bass was caught on Wagamons Pond by young Angler, Andrew Klien. Andrew's catch weighed an impressive 11.10 lbs. This is the same pond that yielded the record bass a few years ago. Congratulations Andrew!
Smartphone App
Lou A. Etgenadded a New Announcement inChesapeake Network
New Smartphone App Lets You Collect & Share Fishing Catch Data
A new app called Chesapeake Catch allows anglers to record their Chesapeake Bay sport fish catch data through their smartphone. Through Chesapeake Catch, for the first time Chesapeake anglers are using smartphone technology to provide valuable, real-time data to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources about important Bay fish species.
More accurate information from anglers will help scientists and managers set regulations that keep species on a sustainable path while giving anglers freedom to fish. “Users will be actively engaged in the health and protection of the Bay and its resources” says Lou Etgen of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “This is a great example of community science at work.”
When recording their catch, anglers can also create a valuable, personal fishing log they can use to improve their own fishing. Chesapeake Catch records and reports information about Maryland’s most popular tidal water fish: rockfish (striped bass), redfish (red drum), speckled trout, croaker, yellow perch and shad. All other tidal and freshwater species, including invasives, can also be recorded. Anglers can also upload photographs and record data about species caught, time spent on the water, the length of the fish and catch-or-release disposition of each fish.
Learn more and find a link to download the app at allianceforthebay.org
Chesapeake Catch is a local affiliate of Angler Action, which pioneered the movement by anglers to collect their own data to inform fishery management in communities across the country. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay worked as a partner on this project on the working group. Other partner participants in the working group behind Chesapeake Catch include fishing guides, prominent recreational fishing bloggers and other avid anglers.